Sri Lankan sports minister set to visit Pakistan

Colombo (Web Desk): Sri Lanka´s sportsMinister announced on Wednesday, he would join the national cricket team for Pakistan tour.

According to details, Dayasiri Jayasekara said Sri Lanka was satisfied with security preparations for the Twenty20 final in Lahore later in October despite reservations from some players since gunmen attacked their team bus in Lahore eight years ago.

Jayasekara told reporters in Colombo, "It is safe for our team. I am accompanying them to demonstrate that it is safe for us."

"The ICC (International Cricket Council) has also said it is safe for us to tour Pakistan ."

Several top players have pulled out of the three-match series starting Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, concerned about security when the final shifts to Lahore on October 29.

Sources close to Sri Lanka´s cricket board say coach Nic Pothas will also not join the squad in Lahore.

It will be Sri Lanka´s first visit to Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their squad bus, killing eight people and injuring seven visiting team members and support staff.